The massive sporting event may have been taking place in neighbouring Glasgow – but experts say it has also been a major money-spinner for the Paisley area

Renfrewshire’s economy has received a multi-million pound boost from the Commonwealth Games, it has been revealed.

The massive sporting event, which came to a spectacular end last night, may have been taking place in neighbouring Glasgow – but experts say it has also been a major money-spinner for the Paisley area.

Renfrewshire Council leader Mark Macmillan said the Games have provided a huge boost for the local economy.

He told the Paisley Daily Express: “The Games have been a unique opportunity for Scottish athletes to compete in front of a home crowd, to showcase modern Scotland to people around the world and to inspire young people to take up and excel at sport.

“They will also leave a social and economic legacy that means millions of pounds worth of benefits to Renfrewshire.

“Our vital location as the Gateway to the Games means we have been particularly well placed to capitalise on the huge number of visitors the event has attracted.”

Renfrewshire’s hotels have seen a significant upturn in trade during the Games, with restaurants and other businesses in the Paisley area also able to cash in.

Bob Davidson, Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce chief executive, is delighted to see so many local firms being handed a welcome boost.

He said: “Nearly every team and visitor coming for the Games will have flown in and out of Glasgow Airport and that will bring huge financial benefits.

“We also know local hotels have been taking in guests who have then been travelling to the Games events and there have been plenty of other businesses doing what they can to get involved.

“For example, the intu Braehead shopping centre, in Renfrew, has been showing the events live on a huge screen and that has gone down very well with customers
there.

“Hopefully, local gyms, leisure centres and businesses which sell sporting goods will all benefit from the Games in terms of increased activity, sales and even sponsorship.”

A Scottish Government report, published earlier this year, revealed that Games contracts worth hundreds of millions of pounds were procured by Scottish firms.

Among the winners has been Renfrew-based industrial and office estate Westway Park, which struck a deal to lease more than 50,000sq ft of warehouse space to contractors for the Games and next month’s Ryder Cup.

Meanwhile, bosses at Glasgow Airport are expecting today to be one of the busiest of the year as thousands of members of the Commonwealth Games family pass through its doors.

An airport spokesperson said: “More than 4,000 athletes and officials from 71 nations will be saying their goodbyes and returning home following what has been one of the most successful Commonwealth Games ever.

“August 4 will be the peak departures day, with more than 2,200 athletes and officials travelling through the airport, which was one of three official non-competing venues.

“Just as it ensured they received a warm welcome, the airport has lined up a range of entertainment to ensure the athletes leave with lasting memories of their time here.

“In addition to pipers, there will be a traditional ceilidh band, kilted stilt-walkers, a rock band and even Highland cows in the airport.”